Cuba’s military is facing fresh threats from the US, with a reduced force and outdated equipment. The island nation’s military has been showcasing its readiness through hundreds of videos and images published online, but experts say the footage reveals the limits of its capabilities.
Cuba’s Military Capabilities
Cuba’s military had swelled to a force of over 235,000 active-duty personnel in the early 1990s, but it has since more than halved to at most 50,000 active-duty personnel. The force continually trains on decades-old Soviet equipment, much of which was given as foreign aid before the USSR’s collapse in 1991.
The Cuban military has been adapting to its reduced capabilities by training soldiers in guerrilla tactics rather than conventional warfare. Footage shows soldiers training in guerrilla tactics, including hopping on and off motorbikes, wielding rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and using AK-style rifles.
US-Cuba Relations
The US has been escalating its pressure campaign against Cuba, and the island nation’s leadership is following a similar script to the late Fidel Castro, making it clear they’re prepared to defend themselves if attacked. Cuban officials say they have no intention of threatening the US, but they will defend themselves if necessary.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
